New/Old Grizzlies Show Out for Fans at Open Scrimmage

The Wraps come off the NEW Memphis Grizzlies, somewhat, Tuesday at FedExForum.

It's the first ever Blue-White Scrimmage...

Sort of a Free "Look-See" for the fans as the team gets set to head out on its' European Odyssey to Spain for the next 10-Days of training camp...

New Coach Marc Iavaroni evenly divides his club into 2 squads for 2-quarters of fast paced action with a running clock..

Most eye-catching in the scrimmage, the play of a Big New comer, and a gritty Veteran..

22-year old Darko Milicic, at 7-feet, 275 pounds, shows some agility around the basket and some nice dexterity with a sweet lefty hook shot..

Strong play in the Post is a definite need from the former Number 2 overall pick.

Outside, 34-year old Damon Stoudamire more than shows he's ready to lead by example...several times schooling Top Rookie Mike Conley, Jr. 1 on 1..and displaying the sweet J from long range the Grizzlies will need at the Point guard spot.

After the run, Grizzlies Players, Coaches and Fans give their assesment of the quick 1-hour workout.

Head Coach Marc Iavaroni:

"I like the fact we showed some versatility with our bigs in Pau Gasol and Darko Milicic. That should give us the flexibility to be able to Defend as well as run."

Forward Pau Gasol adds:

"it was nice to get a in a run before the fans.. It gives us a little extra boost, and gives them a chance to see what we look like before we go to Spain."

Adds Grizz fan Danny Reuger:

"I wanted to get a sense of how all the newcomes would come together. It looks like a lively group with some quickness, plus some veteran leadership. I like their chances of bringing some excitement for Memphis."

A hush came over the crowd when Mike Conley, Jr. took a knee to the leg and suffered a brief charlie horse. He walked off the court.

Coach Iavaroni says he'll be O.K.

The Grizzlies leave Tuesday night for Spain where they'll play 2 games next week against top Spanish pro teams.

Memphis plays Unicaja Malaga at 1pm Tuesday, October 9th. Then travels to Madrid to play MMT Estudiantes on Thursday October 11th.